Mani Monday – Pine Cone Edition

“Some of my friends at school say Santa is not real.” says my seven year old.

My heart stops and my stomach drops until he says, “But I KNOW he is real. I usually get everything I ask for and I have seen him and he looks exactly the same each year.” I sigh internally with relief and thank The Grove Los Angeles for having such an awesome Santa (that is the same guy every year).

“Wasn’t is so nice of Santa to put together the hot wheels ultimate garage last year, so it was ready to go in the morning?” he continues. “I am ready to make my list.” I start typing it into the notes in my phone:

“Take a look at the list and take off the things that are easy for you to get. I will only ask Santa for the things that are harder. That will make your shopping easier.” My eyes start to tear up and I fight them back. I want to freeze this moment in time.

We brought the list to Santa this weekend. Santa told him no one had asked for a calculator in a while.

This week’s mani is both festive and nostalgic. The pine cone reminds me of my own childhood on the Monterey Peninsula and all the huge pine trees. I don’t remember when I stopped believing in Santa, but I am enjoying every second of Santa magic now.